By Associated Press
Birmingham, AL – Despite the worsening drought situation in Alabama, state officials may recommend easing some of the restrictions on the use of fireworks during the upcoming Fourth of July holiday.
Earlier this month Governor Riley signed a proclamation that said fireworks could only be used over water in 33 north Alabama counties. Since then, fireworks dealers have indicated their sales are off in Alabama by as much as 33 percent.
Riley and state forestry commission officials reportedly reached a compromise this week with major fireworks dealers that would allow the use of ground based fireworks. In return, vendors agreed NOT to sale items like sky rockets and bottle rockets.
Despite Tuesday's much needed rainfall statewide, drought specialists expect the dry conditions to only worsen between now and July 4th. An announcement about the use of fireworks is expected within the next two days.
(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)